Fundraising events don’t have to be all about formal speeches and donation requests. Adding a touch of fun and competition through fundraising game ideas can make your events more engaging and help you raise more money. Whether you’re organizing an in-person gathering or a virtual event, games can energize your donors and create lasting memories. In this blog, we’ll explore a variety of games for fundraising events that are easy to set up, entertaining, and sure to excite your supporters.
1. Spin the Wheel for Prizes
One of the most popular and easy fundraising games is the classic “Spin the Wheel.” Set up a prize wheel with various sections offering different rewards, from small trinkets to grand prizes. Donors pay a small fee to spin the wheel, and everyone walks away with something. This game is quick to set up and adds an element of excitement to your event, making it one of the best fundraising games for both large and small gatherings.
2. Virtual Trivia Challenge
For online events, a virtual trivia challenge is a fantastic way to engage donors. Pick a theme that resonates with your audience, such as pop culture, history, or sports. Participants pay an entry fee to join, and the top scorers can win prizes. Virtual trivia is one of the most popular online fundraising games because it brings people together in a fun and interactive way, even when they’re miles apart.
3. Heads or Tails Game
Heads or Tails is a simple, yet highly engaging game that’s perfect for large crowds. Participants stand up and choose “heads” by placing their hands on their heads or “tails” by placing their hands on their hips. A coin is flipped, and those who guessed correctly stay standing while the others sit down. The game continues until only one person remains, who wins a prize. This is a quick and easy fundraising game that can be played at any point during your event and requires minimal setup.
4. Balloon Pop Surprise
The Balloon Pop Surprise is an exciting and fun game to raise money at any event. Fill balloons with slips of paper that indicate a prize, ranging from small gifts to grand items. Participants pay to pop a balloon and claim their prize. The element of surprise makes this game a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to organize, making it a favorite among simple fundraising games.
5. Wine Pull or Mystery Bag Game
The Wine Pull or Mystery Bag Game is a great addition to any fundraising event. For the Wine Pull, participants pay a set amount to pull a numbered cork from a bowl, which corresponds to a bottle of wine they get to take home. The Mystery Bag Game works similarly, but instead of wine, participants select a bag containing a mystery item. Both games are quick and easy fundraising games that add an element of surprise and excitement, encouraging donations.
6. Duck Race
A Duck Race is a unique and entertaining game that can be both fun and profitable. Participants purchase numbered rubber ducks, which are then released into a river, pool, or custom-made waterway. The first duck to cross the finish line wins a prize for its owner. This game is family-friendly, adds a sense of suspense, and is an engaging way to raise funds.
7. Bingo with a Twist
Bingo is a classic game, but you can make it more engaging by adding a creative twist. Instead of traditional numbers, use themes like movies, songs, or local trivia. Charge for bingo cards and offer donated prizes for the winners. Bingo is one of the most simple fundraising games that can be easily organized and enjoyed by all age groups, whether in-person or online.
8. Coin Toss Game
Set up a coin toss game where participants try to land coins on a target, such as a plate or a glass. Charge a fee for each toss, and offer small prizes for successful hits. The simplicity and accessibility of this game make it one of the quick and easy fundraising games that can be set up at almost any event. It’s a great way to engage attendees of all ages in a lighthearted competition.
9. Virtual Escape Room
Bring the thrill of escape rooms to your fundraiser by hosting a virtual escape room game. Participants can join from anywhere and work together in teams to solve puzzles and “escape” within a set time limit. Charge an entry fee for each team, and offer prizes for the fastest escape or the most creative team name. Virtual escape rooms are one of the most innovative online fundraising games because they combine fun, teamwork, and problem-solving in an engaging format.
10. Penny Wars
Penny Wars is a competitive and engaging fundraising game often used in schools and offices. Set up jars or containers labeled with different teams, such as classes, departments, or groups. The goal is for participants to fill their team’s jar with as many pennies as possible while sabotaging other teams by placing silver coins or dollar bills in their jars (which count against their total). The team with the most points (or pennies) wins a prize. Penny Wars is a fun game to raise money that encourages teamwork and friendly rivalry.
Conclusion
Incorporating fundraising game ideas into your events adds excitement, encourages more participation, and ultimately helps you raise more money for your cause. Whether you’re hosting an in-person event or taking your fundraiser online, these games for fundraising events are designed to engage your donors and make your event memorable. Ready to take your fundraising to the next level? Mix and match these fun games to raise money and start planning a successful fundraiser that will keep your donors coming back year after year!
